The incredible 22 mile Foothills Trail is a Pierce County secret and one of my favorite hidden gems. Cyclists, walkers, runners, and people of all ages enjoy this beautiful paved trail in South Pierce County. Let’s talk about Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Foothills Trail.
The new bridge connecting South Prairie to Buckley and Enumclaw
History
In the late 1800’s the Northern Pacific Railway laid the first tracks to access rich coal and sandstone resources at the base of the Cascades. This corridor was critical to early settlement and connecting Tacoma to Ellensburg. In 1982 Burlington Northern abandoned the tracks and shortly thereafter the Foothills Trail Coalition was formed by local citizens.
Rural and beautiful South Prairie
Pierce County formerly adopted the trail project in 1990 and has continued to make improvements to the trail that begins in Puyallup. Until 2024 the trail ended at South Prairie. But in 2024 the Buckley Bridge was completed connecting the Pierce County trail to Enumclaw in King County.
The Foothills Trail
One of My Favorite Paved Trails
For many years this trail was a favorite of mine as a cyclist. It is well maintained, has multiple parking and restroom facilities throughout the 22 miles, and has stunning nature and Mount Rainier views. You will see birds, and other wildlife as well as wildflowers and forests. Although I am currently not cycling, the Foothills Trail is also a great place to run, walk your dog, stroll with the family or just picnic along the Carbon River. Walkers should consider parking in Orting (check out their Saturday Farmers Market) where the Rainier views are the best. About a one mile walk from the Orting Railroad Depot you will come to the beautiful raging Carbon River.
The Carbon River in spring
The Foothills Trail is a 12-foot wide non-motorized asphalt trail / linear park suitable for bicycles, walking, in-line skates, and wheelchairs. It also has a soft shoulder path for equestrians.
The view of Mount Rainier from the Puyallup end of the trail
Newly installed picnic tables
Brand new parking and restrooms
Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Foothills Trail
There are plans to continue the trail east from Enumclaw. Additional plans will hopefully come to fruition to continue the trail from Puyallup to connect with the Interurban Trail in Auburn and Kent. This could create a wonderful cycling corridor for commuters in the future. A perfect fit for the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
That view…her majesty Mount Rainier
Thank you or reading my post Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Foothills Trail. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater. We are always grateful for your shares and pins and comments. Thank you.
What happens when Australia’s youngest convicted murderer grows up to be a cantankerous old woman in a quiet Melbourne neighborhood? Hepworth’s wonderful novel is full of engaging characters and laugh out loud predicaments. Here is my book review Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth.
NOTE – At the end of July these book review posts will move from this blog to Instagram. Reading Wednesday will continue on most Wednesdays but on Instagram. Please follow our Instagram page here.
A Quiet Suburban Life
After a lifetime of misfortune, abuse, bad luck and misunderstanding, Elise is settled in to her quiet Melbourne neighborhood. She likes most of her neighbors, except the pesky 7 year old Persephone and her next door neighbor Ishaan and his annoying dog Nugget. She keeps to herself except for her one friend and only friend Daphne.
More Bad Luck
But when Ishaan turns up dead, and the police start to dig, Elise’s true identity gets out. She once again finds herself a suspect in a murder. Because Elise is actually Mabel Waller – Mad Mabel, Australia’s youngest convicted killer.
The story and the characters in the neighborhood are full of both funny and sad events. Elise (Mabel) agrees to tell her story to some young vloggers, and through the telling we learn the astonishing details of Mabel’s life. An abusive narcissistic father, school bullies, a teacher-sexual abuser and a life of loneliness, Mabel has a surprising story to tell.
And through it all she learns to love the inquisitive 7 year old Persephone, Nugget the dog and see her neighbors for the kind and supportive people they are. Some of the relationships she has with characters in the novel will surprise the reader, as we learn the depth of Mabel’s loneliness and regret.
Book Review Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
This was one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. Despite much of it’s sad content, it made me feel happy and hopeful for humanity.
*****Five stars for Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth. See last week’s book review Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. Thank you for reading my book review Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth. We are grateful for your comments, pins and shares.
One of the most remarkable and beloved hidden gems on the Kitsap Peninsula, the Kitsap Forest Theater is worth a drive from anyway in the Pacific Northwest. It’s time to visit for the first time or come back again. If you grew up in this area like I did, you probably came as a child. Let me remind you about this amazing Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater.
Beautiful setting for an open air theater
History
The Kitsap Forest Theater, tucked within a 460-acre Rhododendron Preserve in Bremerton, WA, is one of the oldest nonprofit community theater groups in the nation. Founded in 1923 by The Mountaineersclub, it is famous for its open-air stage, terraced forest seating, and natural forest spotlights
Fascinating History of the Kitsap Forest Theater
Key Milestones in its History
1916: Early mountaineers began performing short plays and pantomimes. Actors moved from clearing to clearing with the audience trailing behind.
1923: The Mountaineers Players officially formed with a rehearsed production of Robin of Sherwood. This launched a tradition of unbroken spring performances that continues to this day.
1926: Designed by William C. Darling, the permanent outdoor amphitheater was built. The venue is heavily intertwined with the surrounding nature; the “roof” is the open sky, the wings are made of cedar bark and moss, and natural light filters through the tree canopy.
1928-1930s: The troupe exploded in popularity following acclaimed productions like Alice in Wonderland, prompting the Seattle Chamber of Commerce to request special public showings.
1943-1946: The only interruption in the theater’s history occurred during World War II, when productions were temporarily suspended.
2007: The theater expanded its schedule to include a summer production alongside its traditional spring show, allowing more families to enjoy the venue.
Today: Now operating under The Mountaineers Players, the organization puts on several major family-friendly musical productions each season. Patrons reach the stage by embarking on a scenic, quarter-mile hike through the woods.
I remember my family enjoying Brigadoon when I was a kid. And then I brought my kids to see Sound of Music and more when they were young.
Since 1923
Frozen
The opening show for the 2026 season was Frozen. I spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon with my sister, my nieces and my great nieces enjoying an outstanding production. The little girls in our party loved the show and they knew all the songs.
It’s a quarter mile walk from the parking lot to the amphitheater
Frozen set and special effects were amazing
Watching a quality production, surrounded by forests with the open sky above is a treat in itself. But there is so much more. Exceptional performances by volunteer actors, fun and colorful sets, and outstanding costumes and special effects. Each of these things making the production well worth the ticket price of $22 for adults.
The costumes were outstanding
After more than 100 years, the Kitsap Forest Theater is one of the oldest non-profit community theaters in the nation. The dedication and commitment it takes to keep this quality theater going is amazing. You really should check it out.
So much fun
What’s Next?
Frozen
Frozen’s run ended on June 14th. But the fun continues through the summer with two more great shows so you should get your tickets soon. Coming up;
Oliver (another one of my favorites) will run July 25, 26, August 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16; 2026 – 2:00 pm
Oliver
Miss Holmes will run September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20; 2026 – 2:00 pm
Miss Holmes
Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater
It’s time to make a trip to Kitsap Forest Theater…for the first time or to reminisce from your childhood. Advance tickets are available online. A great non-profit, family friendly, nature loving arts organization right in your own backyard. See it again, or for the very first time.
The acoustics in the forest were surprisingly good
Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Old Town Bellevue here. Come back next week for more fun and fabulous Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest.
We are always grateful for your pins, shares and comments. Thank you.
At a time in my life when I have been increasingly troubled by much of the fake and AI generated garbage that now makes up so much of social media – in drops this book. A deeply disturbing debut novel of a social media influencer and her double personality. Here is my book review Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke.
NOTE – At the end of July these book review posts will move from this blog to Instagram. Reading Wednesday will continue on most Wednesdays but on Instagram. Please follow our Instagram page here.
Performance
I have long complained about travel influencers and the flawless portrayals of destinations around the world. My first hand experience knows how fake most of that is. I remember standing in Santorini Greece hoping to get a photo. But instead, waiting for an idiot influencer in a long red dress to get her windblown photo as she stood dangerously close to the edge. Such an absurd and rude performance.
Yesteryear reminded me of how hard it is to see the truth on Social Media. And the protagonist in this book, Natalie Heller Mills, is a perfectly written narcissist reminiscent of Amy Dunne in Gone Girl. Her crafted online performance is in direct contrast to her pejorative offline voice. Her life becomes one big performance.
Yesteryear Ranch
Natalie and her husband Caleb, along with their five children lead what appears to be a perfect life at Yesteryear Ranch. Growing their food organically, homeschooling the children and living without many modern conveniences, Natalie and Yesteryear Ranch become an internet sensation. Until dirty little secrets start to be revealed…pesticides on the farm, hidden modern appliances, Natalie’s lack of interest in her own children, and her disintegrating marriage.
1855
When Natalie wakes up one morning to find herself transported to a cold cabin in 1855 she believes she has been kidnapped. No running water, no electricity. And who are these children? These are not her children. When she tries to escape, she is seriously injured. But Caleb is here…older and warn down. Is it Caleb?
Book Review Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Some people are gonna love this book and others will not. This novel looks closely at our world, through the layers of social media’s influence on society. Additionally through narcissism and mental illness and through powerful wealthy families and American Christian values. It hits very close to home in current American politics, with narcissistic American leaders and right-wing Christian influence. Yesteryear is a deep dive into how social media has degraded societies communication skills, attention span and ability to recognize fraud from reality.
Burke has written a protagonist who will not be forgotten. Natalie Heller Mills will be remembered for her ruthless and desperate desire to appear to be someone she is not. A movie is coming starring Anne Hathaway.
Thank you for reading my book review Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke.
Many decades ago I lived in Bellevue and in Issaquah, both towns just east of Seattle. At that time shopping excursions happened at Bellevue Square, the first regional shopping mall in the Pacific Northwest opened in 1946. I never went into “Old Town” because it just wasn’t the cool place to be. But times have changed haven’t they? I love a good old town in every city I visit. So let me tell you about the Hidden Gems of the PNW – Old Town Bellevue.
Old Town Bellevue
History of Bellevue’s Old Town
Pioneers like William Meydenbauer and Aaron Mercer filed the first land claims in 1863. The area was initially a logging settlement. Once the trees were cleared, the rich soil was utilized for farming. By 1900 Bellevue became known for its berry and vegetable farms, largely cultivated by Japanese immigrant families. During this time, Old Main Street functioned as the central commercial hub for farmers and locals. But after WWII internment few Japanese families returned to Bellevue.
Old and new side by side
The opening of the first Lake Washington floating bridge in 1940 caused a massive population surge. This rapid suburban growth was marked by the opening of Bellevue Square in 1946 and the official incorporation of the city in 1953. In the decades that followed Interstate 405 cut through Bellevue in 1967 and the city expanded to become a tech and business center.
Meanwhile “Old Town” organically remained, slowly becoming a pedestrian friendly, restaurant intensive shopping area flanked to the North by the beautiful Downtown Park.
Main Street
My two-day visit to Old Town stretched the boundaries of what is the actual Old Town as I explored the old Main Street from Lake Washington’s sparkling Meydenbauer Park two miles east to the gorgeous (and free) Bellevue Botanic Gardens.
Bellevue Botanical Gardens
Only recently did I become aware of this garden, hidden right in the Bellevue metropolis. Seeing this garden was the catalyst for my visit to Bellevue. Beautifully laid out wandering paths make this 53 acre garden feel so much larger.
Bellevue Botanical Gardens is a must
The original 25 acres was bequeathed to the city of Bellevue by Cal and Harriot Short who had spent 25 years cultivating the garden. The garden has been expanded twice and is one of the the finest I’ve seen in the Pacific Northwest. Remarkably it is free and open 365 days a year with classes and events for all ages. A visit to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens is a must.
Little hidden gems
Art as well
Old Town Shops
When the Shorts lived on the property where the Botanical Gardens now are, it would have been a straight shot down Main Street to Old town. Today you need to meander a bit because Interstate 405 cuts right through Main Street.
Beautiful shops
I found street parking and just wandered in and out of some of the unique shops in Old Town. Beautiful housewares, clothing, cards, chocolate, jewelry and even Glassy Baby’s are available in Old Town. It’s a lovely place to stroll, grab a coffee or a glass of wine and indulge in one of the Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest.
Clean and lots of parking
Glassy Baby Shop
Dining
I enjoyed two meals while in Old Town and both were spectacular. My son came and met me for dinner at Bis on Main, a highly rated fine dining restaurant. We enjoyed an excellent Caesar Salad and French Onion Soup. My son loved his Black Cod and I enjoyed a giant Pork Chop. Service was great too. I highly recommend Bis on Main.
Dinner with my first born is always a treat, especially at Bis on Main
Perfect Caesar
Exceptional Pork Chop
I woke up to a beautiful sunny and quiet Sunday morning in Old Town so I took a stroll and stumbled into Gilbert’s on Main. Operating as Bellevue’s Deli for 26 years, the sandwich menu is insane! But for breakfast I had to have the Lox and Bagel Platter…and it was indeed a platter. With coffee it kept me full for the rest of the day. Check out Gilbert’s on Main.
Definitely try the Lox and Bagel Platter at Gilbert’s on Main
Huge Menu – I will need to come back
Parks
Downtown Park is a real jewel, just two blocks off main. Tucked between Old Town to the south and Bellevue Square to the North, this beautiful, green, twenty acre park is Bellevue’s gathering place. The people of Bellevue come to run, walk, and play. Multiple events take place in this park and the water feature is stunning and such a surprise.
A large Eid Festival was happening in Downtown Park
Downtown Park has a great running/walking track
Meydenbauer Park fronts Lake Washington at the far west end of Main Street but an easy walk. This stunning park provides visitors exceptional access to the lake and is very popular on sunny summer days. You also can enjoy views of the lake and of the gorgeous lakefront homes and real estate that surround it.
The swimming area at Meydenbauer Park
Hidden Gems of the PNW – Old Town Bellevue
Bellevue Old Town could easily be a day trip from anywhere in the Puget Sound region, but there are also multiple hotels available. I spent one night at the comfortable AC Marriott Bonvoy, just a couple blocks off Main.
Visitors coming to Seattle should consider a day in Bellevue as well as in some of the other gems of East King County like Issaquah, Fall City and Snoqualmie. Extend your Seattle stay to enjoy the surrounding area full of history, recreation, dining, shopping and so much beauty.
Vernice and Annie are “cradle friends”. Two young black girls navigating life in the South in the mid 20th century. Each motherless, for different reasons, they cling to one another for comfort and family. Here is my book review Kin by Tayari Jones.
NOTE – At the end of July these book review posts will move from this blog to Instagram. Reading Wednesday will continue on most Wednesdays but on Instagram. Please follow our Instagram page here.
Motherless
How does being raised without parents affect the outcome of a well intended life? What circumstances beyond maternal absence play a role in who we become as adults? This is part of the theme of Tayari Jones’ Kin. Is family who gave birth to you or who loved you and raised you?
Vernice and Annie raised as sisters and best friends, will navigate through life searching for answers; Annie for why her mother left her at birth and Vernice why her mother was murdered by her own father.
Life as a Black Woman in the 1950’s South
Annie will take flight in search of her mother in Memphis, just as Vernice is heading off to Spelman College. Both girls will encounter the deep racism of the era, but in very different ways. Annie will struggle to find her mother, become so obsessed she will lose people she loves and end up in “trouble”. The kind of trouble no young girl in the 1950’s wants to find herself in.
Meanwhile Vernice will also face deep racism from the minute she steps onto the bus headed to Atlanta. At college she will blossom, make friends and learn about true love, wealthy and reputation and the civil rights movement.
Friendship Endures
The ending of this book is sad and disturbing, but the enduring love and friendship of these two women feels sincere and real. This book really had me emotional, and a few times I had to put it down and walk away for a while. But in the end I am glad I saw it through. The collection of characters and circumstances really made this story unique and breathtaking.
A decade or more ago Washington State Parks began allowing commercial vendors to operate within some parks around the state. We have noticed an increase in this innovative partnership over the past couple of years. One of our new favorite in park commercial operators is near to our home where we spend our summers in the Pacific Northwest. Let me share with you the Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Posh Pescatarian at Twanah State Park.
With my son on Mother’s Day at Twanah State Park
Twanah State Park
Twanah is one of Washington’s oldest state parks, commissioned in 1923. It is also one of Washington’s smaller state parks at 188 acres. Located on a beautiful beach in the southern part of Hood Canal it offers camping, beach access, boat launch and more. As I child we would come here to swim in the summer both in the canal and in the tiny tot friendly lagoon.
Swimming in the canal or the lagoon is fun at Twanah State Park
Twanah is also connected to my husband’s family, because my mother in law Lynn lived in the park when she was a young girl. Her step father was the park superintendent and they lived on site in a tiny stone house. That stone house remains today and is used by today’s park ranger.
The word Twanah means “gathering place” in the Native Skokomish language.
The Posh Pescatarian
Opened in summer 2025, the Posh Pescatarian is a seasonal pop-up restaurant within Twanah State Park. It is a 21 and over venue, serving wine, beer and a variety of delicious cocktails. I recommend the Blackberry Sangria.
The Posh Pescatarian
We visited early in the season for the Mother’s Day weekend celebration. The four course menu we had that day was outstanding. I loved the cod I had with mango salsa, but my favorite thing was the Lobster Bisque.
Mother’s Day Specia Cocktail
Delicious Lobster Bisque
On that day we lucked out with sunny skies and enjoyed a leisurely meal with my husband’s mom and our oldest son.
Daily Menu
The Posh Pescatarian is now in full swing for the summer, with a delicious daily menu. I love the Carribean Shrimp and on my second visit I inhaled the incredibly moist and delicious Blackened Sablefish. Amazing. Next time I think I’ll try the Surf ‘n Turf Quesadilla and the clam chowder.
Blackened Sablefish with Mango Salsa and Couscous
The staff is also great and well trained by owner Stephanie who is on site and makes sure you have everything you need. Stephanie has a strong background in food service as a chef, author and television host. You are in good hands at The Posh Pescatarian.
Order at the window and then find a seat
Blackberry Sangria
Visit The Posh Pescatarian
The Posh Pescatarian is open seven days a week 11:00 am to 7:00pm, but may close early if the weather is bad. You do not need reservations. It is 21 and over. Located at Twanah State Park at 12190 East SR 106 in Union Washington. See directions here.
Nestled in the iconic Pacific Northwest trees but also with a view of the water
Hot summer weekends can get busy at Twanah, come midweek if you can to enjoy this Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Posh Pescatarian at Twanah State Park. Remember to enter any Washington State Park you must have a Discover Pass.
Thank you for reading my post Hidden Gems of the PNW – The Posh Pescatarian at Twanah State Park. I hope you will visit soon. We are always grateful for your comments, pins and shares. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Grayland here.
This unique story caught me off guard. The story of Gabriel Fisher, an unusually large child (and then man) is told in the voices of multiple narrators, but not his own. Rather, Gabriel’s remarkable life is told from the point of view of the people whose life was most affected by him. Here is my book review Life & Death & Giants by Ron Rindo.
Rural Wisconsin
The story is based in rural Lakota Wisconsin, home to a large Amish community. Lakota is also a Midwest town of “English” residents including the local veterinarian, a local bar owner, and a local high school football coach.
When Veterinarian Tom Kennedy is forced to deliver a baby it is the largest baby Kennedy has ever seen. The size of the child takes the life of the mother, a local Amish women named Rachel who has been shunned from the community due to giving birth out of wedlock. The baby, Gabriel will be raised by his older brother, until the brother unexpectedly takes his own life.
This is when Josiah and Hannah Fisher, parents of Rachel, will take the child to raise. It is Hannah’s greatest joy to have the child of her beloved daughter in her home.
Giant
Gabriel is a giant in body, towering over every other child and adult as he grows. But he is also a giant in heart, athleticism and kindness. Everyone who know Gabriel loves him. He is a star little league player and later a star high school and college football player. Even when a horrific accident ends his football career, Gabriel finds a way.
Throughout Gabriel’s unique existence he transitions between the Amish life and the English world. He travels widely, finds love and his successful beyond his dreams.
Back Home
Hannah Fisher is meanwhile discovering some terrible family secrets that have her questioning her family and her faith and even her marriage. When Gabriel is diagnosed with a brain tumor, he returns home when the community – Amish and English alike -come together to care for him. Gabriel learns some dark secrets about his father, but also embraces the idea that he too is a father. All while dying. In the end, as Gabriel takes his final breaths, a miracle will occur that will make believers find faith again, and make non-believers question everything they think.
Book Review Life & Death & Giants by Ron Rindo
A moving yet somewhat strange story of faith, family, secrets and fortune. Rindo creates an eclectic but well crafted collection of characters in this novel while exploring the question of miracles around us.
A couple of weeks ago we spent a wonderful few days on the Pacific Ocean at Grayland State Park. It had been many years since I had been in this area and I am so glad we took the time to explore this hidden gem. We ventured around the region and had a great time. Here is my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Grayland Washington.
Map of Grayland and surrounding region
Where is Grayland Washington USA
Nestled on the remote Pacific Coast of Washington, Grayland is tiny town that is home to about 700 residents. Located in Grays Harbor County on the border with Pacific County, Grayland is south of Ocean Shores and Westport, southwest of Aberdeen and north of Tokeland.
Camping in Washington State
When I was a child we spent a lot of time camping, often on the Pacific beaches near to our home. I remember miserable gray, rainy days…but also fun barefoot beach experiences too. In Washington State you never know what the weather will bring…and so you come prepared. Camping as a child we were surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins…it’s one of the best memories I have and I feel lucky to have grown up in this way.
My family about 1967. I’m in the middle looking very much like a boy.
Driving to Grayland
We drove from our home in Port Orchard and it took about two hours and fifteen minutes. Shelton was our first stop for a coffee at the amazing Marmo Gallery Cafe and I highly recommend it. We also stopped in Elma for lunch at the iconic Rusty Tractor Family Restaurant.
Marmo Cafe Shelton
Lovely Cappuccino at Marmo
Counter at Rusty Tractor is very old school
Rusty Tractor in Elma
Grayland State Park & Surrounding Area
Our friends invited us to spend three days with them at Grayland State Park. This beautiful Washington State Park has yurts to rent. Our friends brought their travel trailer and we stayed in a comfortable yurt in the same camping spot. The yurt can sleep four, but for just Arne and I it was very comfortable. Electricity and heat but no running water. Restrooms nearby. It was camping but with a little extra comfort for this ole gal.
Our campsite was very spacious
Inside the Yurt
Breakfast ready!
The sites are large and have firepits which we enjoyed as well as a picnic table where we ate most of our meals. Like any good camping trip there was plenty of good food, lots of beer, a couple margaritas and card games.
Margaritas and Taco Salad
We had both a wood burning fire pit and a propane generated one
Cards are always fun
Close to the campground we enjoyed the following activities;
Grayland Beach
This gorgeous, long sandy beach is pure Washington coast. The kind of beach Washington State is known for. You are allowed to drive on the beach, and we parked on the hard sand and walked and walked on a sunny day. The season for razor clamming had just ended when we were visiting, and the beach was quiet and peaceful. We saw bald eagles, sandpipers and pelicans.
Thrilled to have blue skies in Grayland
Cranberry Farms
There is a Cranberry Museum in Grayland, but unfortunately we missed it. But we really enjoyed driving around and looking at the acres and acres of cranberry bogs. Cranberry farms are abundant in this damp climate, many family-owned. Harvest traditionally runs from late September through early December. On the way into Grayland you can’t miss the Ocean Spray cranberry processing plant.
I realized how little I know about cultivation of cranberries!
Bottle Beach State Park & Ocosta by the Sea Ghost Town
We loved the walk through this wildlife reserve at Bottle Beach State Park where we spotted two new-to-us birds. This region was once a boom town known as Ocosta by the Sea and was proposed to be the Pacific terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Real estate was hot after that announcement and the town blossomed. But that all changed when the railroad terminus was changed to Tacoma.
Bottle Beach Wildlife Preserve
Today, all that remains of the original boom town includes:
Historical Home: A majestic Queen Anne-style farmhouse sits atop a bluff on State Route 105 just before entering Ocosta.
Ocosta Grange Hall: This building, which served as a community dance hall in the 1960s, still stands today.
Bottle Beach State Park: The original townsite and its collapsed 2,900-foot wharf are now part of Bottle Beach State Park. Instead of buildings, beachcombers occasionally find historic glass bottles and railroad debris from the vanished development
Lots to learn at Bottle Beach
In this marsh we spotted a Marsh Wren – an addition to our growing bird list
International Mermaid Museum and Westport Winery
We had to make a stop at the International Mermaid Museum, easily accessible right off the highway. Conveniently the Westport Winery is located right next door. This museum is dedicated to “teaching ocean ecology from seashore to sea floor immersed in mermaid mythology unifying oceanic cultures.”
Wonderful outdoor mermaid sculpture
The museum has an extensive collection of mermaid memorabilia; the well-done signage explains in detail the myth and lore of mermaids with a healthy dose of ocean ecology. Only $3 to enter, how can you not spend some time at the International Mermaid Museum? Check out the website for special events and activities throughout the year.
Authentic pieces at the mermaid museum
Beautiful art
Right next door is the Westport Winery and Ocean’s Daughter Distillery, with a restaurant and nice gift shop. Tastings are $15 per person which you can put towards a purchase if you decide to bring some tasty local wine home.
Enjoying a wine tasting
Westport Winery
Tokeland
The tiny town of Tokeland has a population of only about 120. It is home to commercial oyster and razor clam operations. It is also home to the historic Tokeland Hotel, Washington’s oldest. Built in 1885 it was originally a private home, and later served a population of wealthy travelers who arrived by boat. Today the hotel is fully restored and is listed on the National Register. It is known for its farm-to-table restaurant. While visiting the hotel we toured the tiny and beautiful garden and met the local pigs and chickens. I’d love to come back and stay a couple of nights.
Historic Tokeland Hotel
Lots to see around the hotel
And a working farm too
Tokeland Pier
Westport
Westport is the largest town in the area between the Pacific and inland Aberdeen. We headed out to Westport on our final evening. Home to the largest commercial and charter fishing fleet in Washington, a walk along the harbor to view some of the 180 boats is a must. It was cooler in Westport due to the wide open Pacific Ocean wind, so we bundled up. Our visit on a Tuesday in May found all the shops and most the restaurants closed.
Westport has the largest commercial and charter fishing fleet in Washington
Summer months in Westport you will find surfers in the ocean and families on the beach. A visit to the Westport Maritime Museum is a must any time of year.
The Maritime Museum is a must
I made a new friend
We did find a wonderful restaurant called Bennett’s. It was really busy since most other places were closed, but we enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the cozy space. I loved the crab cakes and everyone else enjoyed cod or halibut and chips and chowder. Great beer selection too.
Bennett’s is popular
Arne loved his fish and chips
I would definitely order crab cakes again
Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Grayland
Grayland and surrounding area is often “gray” but we saw both blue and gray skies on our visit and only one rainy morning. Summer months are busier but also warmer. Fall is a great time to visit this coastal region. If you are interested in digging razor clams, you can find more information at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
To enter the state parks mentioned here, and any state park in Washington, you must have a Washington Discover Pass. Find more info at the Washington State Parks website.
Beachcombing is a favorite past time
I am so glad we had three full days to enjoy the entire peninsula from Westport to Tokeland. If you are coming from the Kitsap Peninsula, stops in Shelton and Elma are nice. Alternatively if you are coming from Tacoma, Seattle or Olympia you will bypass Shelton but you might consider stops in Montesano or McCleary.
If you are making the Olympic National Park/Olympic Peninsula loop trip, venturing a bit south to see these beautiful beaches is a great add-on. See my post about the Olympic National Park here.
This part of the state is rural, beautiful, and home to hard-working people who bring farm and sea to your table. We are grateful for their work.
Spark Point Studio provided this book to me gratis in exchange for my honest review.This novel will released to the public May 26, 2026.
Cursed
When four generations of women find themselves all returned to the family home in Faith Hills Minnesota, decades of of magic and misunderstandings will manifest. The four strong women, each with their individual story, need to come together to fight the evil lurking.
Returning Home
Katrin Blackthorn has been living abroad for more than a decade. She isn’t even sure why? But after she discovers her husband infidelity, Katrin returns to the family Queen Anne mansion to see if and where she still might fit into her strange family.
The person Katrin is looking forward to seeing the most is her sister Jasmine. They were so close as girls. But Jasmine is haunted by something unknown, and no one can reach her. Not Katrin, not their mother Ursula – known as the town’s brewer of potions, not even their grandmother Velda – the charmer of the women. Something deep and unsettling is hiding in each of these women, and now that Katrin has returned, the curse has too, and with it the snakes.
The Blackthorn Women
What is it about The Blackthorn Women, the secrets they keep, the giant Queen Anne mansion and snakes? Each women is a piece of a deep and sinister puzzle, and the unfolding of the truth makes for a gripping and magical story reminiscent of of Practical Magic, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Unmaking of June Farrow.
Four stars for The Blackthorn Women by Jess Lourey – out in book stores this week. Thanks for reading my book review The Blackthorn Women by Jess Lourey. See last week’s book review The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner here.
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